sudden numbness or weakness, headache, confusion, or problems with vision, speech, or balance;

pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;

abnormal vaginal bleeding;

pain, swelling, or tenderness in your stomach;

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

a lump in your breast.

Topical estradiol is absorbed through the skin and can cause premature puberty in a child who comes into contact with this medicine or with skin where the medicine was applied. Call your doctor if a child who has close contact with you develops swollen nipples or enlarged breasts.

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

swollen breasts;

acne or skin color changes;

vaginal pain, dryness, or discomfort, decreased sex drive, or difficulty having an orgasm;

swelling, weight gain;

migraine headaches, dizziness, depression; or

break-through bleeding, vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about estradiol topical?

You should not use this medicine if you have any of the following conditions: a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot (especially in your lung or your lower body), a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, history of an allergic reaction to estradiol topical, or a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer.

Estradiol topical can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant.

Do not use estradiol topical if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Topical estradiol is absorbed through the skin and can cause premature puberty in a child who comes into contact with this medicine or with skin where the medicine was applied. Call your doctor if a child who has close contact with you develops swollen nipples or enlarged breasts.

Children should avoid coming into contact with skin areas where you have applied estradiol topical. If contact does occur, wash with soap and water right away. Cover treated areas with clothing to protect others from coming into contact with the skin where you apply this medicine.

Estrogens will not prevent heart disease, heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, or dementia, and may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions. Estrogens may also increase your risk of uterine or ovarian cancer.

Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol long-term. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.